5 Ways to Style a Western Shirt

The love of the American old west culture and the cowboy look began nearly a century ago, and it has stayed strong ever since. When it came to a cowboy, his free spirit was evident in what he wore. From the Old West to the present, cowboys have always sought to wear clothing that would set them apart from the plain clothes of common citizens.

When people think of a western shirt, they may think of a typical traditional button down shirt and a cowboy hat, but there are actually many ways that a western shirt can be styled and still be considered a western shirt. This guide will give detail as to what a western shirt is, some common terms used to talk about western shirts, and various types of western shirts. It will then outline 6 ways to style a western shirt and discuss how buyers can locate and purchase western shirts.

What is a Western Shirt?
A traditional western shirt is characterized with a yoke in front as well as in back. It is usually fabricated with tartan fabric and has long sleeves. Some modern forms of the western shirt include those with snap pockets, patches, bandana fabric, and fringes. More traditional and fancy western shirts are usually decorated with some sort of piping, embroidery, and a contrasting yoke.

Western Wear Terminology
Western wear has a pretty distinct look. From the yoked front and the fringes, to the ever so popular rhinestones, there are many features to the western look. Some of the terminology may not be familiar to buyers. In order to understand the 6 ways to style a western shirt, buyers must know the various terminology used. The following table lists some of the terms used in the western clothing fashion world and their definitions:

Types of Western Shirts
Western style shirts are popular, and they can be found in both women's and men's attire. Western shirts come in several different styles, and all of them will show their roots in the Wild West in some way. It is important that one choose a shirt that is made from quality, durable fabric like cotton. The following types of western shirts resemble those traditionally worn by cowboys:

Denim Shirts
There are many designers who have created men's denim type shirts with western details making them a western shirt. Modern western type denim shirts have two chest pockets, detailed yokes, and shiny snap buttons. Denim is a hard wearing material which softens as it ages. This type of western shirt will improve in appearance as it ages due to the material. For a true cowboy look, one should get brown, black, or corduroy western denim shirts.

Plaid Shirts
Plaid shirts that are well worn and soft are part of the western shirt trend. A plaid shirt can come in a soft flannel or a crisp cotton material. Plaid shirts, like denim shirts, typically have a yoke detailing both chest pockets. Plaid shirts are generally long sleeved, but a cowboy will roll them up to the elbow. They look more western when they have a row of pearl button snaps down the front of the shirt.

Embroidered and Detailed Shirts
There are many embroidered or detailed shirts that are definitely a stand out western type of shirt. From red roses stitched into the yoke, collar, or on the chest of the shirt to embroidered horseshoes and dice, embroidered western shirts have lots of detail added to them.